A Leap Forward in Obesity Treatment: BioAge Raises $170 Million For Zepbound Combination Therapy

A Groundbreaking Funding Round for BioAge

California-based biotech company, BioAge, recently raised an impressive $170 million in a Series D financing round. The substantial funding is marked for the development of a combination therapy using the obesity drug Zepbound, and BioAge's lead drug candidate, azelaprag. The funding round, led by Sofinnova Investments, featured contributions from Eli Lilly and Amgen's venture arms, as well as previous investor Andreessen Horowitz.

Focusing on Healthspan

BioAge's objective is to develop medications that enhance a person's healthspan. The company is currently working on drugs aimed at combating neuroinflammation and brain aging. However, the lion's share of the funding will be directed towards the development of azelaprag, which is currently being tested in combination with Zepbound.

Targeting Obesity with Innovative Therapies

The recent funding success enables BioAge to support Phase 2 clinical development of azelaprag, a drug showing promise in promoting muscle metabolism and preventing muscle atrophy. In combination with Zepbound, the therapy is expected to increase average weight loss reduction from 15% to 20%. The commencement of studies involving Zepbound is slated for mid-2024. This successful funding round extends BioAge’s cash runway into at least late 2026, ensuring they can fully support the upcoming trials.

Addressing Broader Health Concerns

Beyond weight loss, Zepbound, also known as Tirzepatide and Mounjaro, shows promise in treating fatty liver disease. In a recent phase two trial, Eli Lilly's drug showed positive results in helping patients become free of MASH (Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease) without worsening liver scarring. The impact on decreasing liver scarring was found to be clinically meaningful across all dose sizes. Full results from the phase two trial will be presented by Eli Lilly at a medical conference later this year.

Combating Muscle Loss

As weight loss drugs like Ozempic gain popularity, the issue of muscle loss as a side effect has come into focus. Companies are responding by offering strength-training programs, nutrition plans, and developing combination treatments to prevent muscle loss. Eli Lilly's partnership with BioAge Labs to test azelaprag and their acquisition of Versanis, which makes a drug that blocks receptors to regulate muscle and fat mass, is a strategic move in this direction.

A Positive Step Towards Addressing Obesity

With the recent funding success and strategic appointments, BioAge solidifies its position in the biotech industry and reaffirms its commitment to developing innovative obesity therapeutics. The company's progress in developing a combination therapy for obesity is a positive step towards providing effective solutions for this widespread health problem. As BioAge's CEO, Kristen Fortney, expressed excitement for the partnership and the potential impact on patient lives, the future of obesity treatment looks promising.